President Trump issues executive order blocking Broadcom’s takeover of Qualcomm

The executive order notes that Section 721 of the Defense Production Act allows the president and the Committee on Foreign Investment in the US (CFIUS) to review, investigate, and take action as necessary when a company under the authority of a foreign government threatens national security. Trump said that “[t]here is credible evidence that leads me to believe that … might take action that threatens to impair the national security of the United States[.]”

Specifically, the order prohibited Broadcom’s takeover of Qualcomm, or any substantially similar merger, and any of the 15 listed Broadcom candidates from standing for election as directors of Qualcomm. The order further directed measures to protect company shareholders, stating.